Effects and safety of high-frequency rTMS in subacute ischemic stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: Although high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) has shown benefits in chronic stroke, its application in subacute ischemic stroke remains underexplored. This study aims to investigate the effects and safety of lesion-side HF-rTMS in subacute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Prospective lesion-side HF-rTMS was conducted on consecutive ischemic stroke patients within 3 days of onset from February 2019 to June 2022. Inclusion criteria required persistent paralysis (NIHSS score ≥ 1 for at least 7 days). Exclusion criteria comprised cortical infarction, disturbance of consciousness, and age over 80 years. A conventional rehabilitation group meeting the same criteria from June 2015 to January 2019 served as a comparison. We compared the two groups regarding clinical background and outcome. We also evaluated incidence of epilepsy and exacerbation of the NIHSS score in the rTMS group. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients participated, with 50% in the HF-rTMS group. Median time from onset to HF-rTMS initiation was 9 (IQR 7-12) days. A favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) at 3 months was more frequent in the rTMS group (80% vs. 44%, p = 0.002). HF-rTMS was independently associated with a favorable outcome at 3 months (OR = 5.60, 95% CI = 1.53-20.50, p = 0.009). No cases of epilepsy or exacerbation of NIHSS score were observed. CONCLUSIONS: HF-rTMS demonstrates potential effectiveness and safety in subacute ischemic stroke patients.

Walking ability after resection of soft tissue sarcoma of the thigh and the sciatic nerve.

Walking ability may be fairly well maintained after sciatic nerve resection combined with wide resection of soft tissue sarcoma, therefore, surgeons should not hesitate to perform sciatic nerve resection to achieve an adequate surgical margin.

Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for Rehabilitation in Critically Ill Patients 2023 (J-ReCIP 2023).

Providing standardized, high-quality rehabilitation for critically ill patients is a crucial issue. In 2017, the Japanese Society of Intensive Care Medicine (JSICM) promulgated the "Evidence-Based Expert Consensus for Early Rehabilitation in the Intensive Care Unit" to advocate for the early initiation of rehabilitations in Japanese intensive care settings. Building upon this seminal work, JSICM has recently conducted a rigorous systematic review utilizing the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. This endeavor resulted in the formulation of Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), designed to elucidate best practices in early ICU rehabilitation. The primary objective of this guideline is to augment clinical understanding and thereby facilitate evidence-based decision-making, ultimately contributing to the enhancement of patient outcomes in critical care settings. No previous CPGs in the world has focused specifically on rehabilitation of critically ill patients, using the GRADE approach. Multidisciplinary collaboration is extremely important in rehabilitation. Thus, the CPGs were developed by 73 members of a Guideline Development Group consisting of a working group, a systematic review group, and an academic guideline promotion group, with the Committee for the Clinical Practice Guidelines of Early Mobilization and Rehabilitation in Intensive Care of the JSICM at its core. Many members contributed to the development of the guideline, including physicians and healthcare professionals with multiple and diverse specialties, as well as a person who had been patients in ICU. Based on discussions among the group members, eight important clinical areas of focus for this CPG were identified. Fourteen important clinical questions (CQs) were then developed for each area. The public was invited to comment twice, and the answers to the CQs were presented in the form of 10 GRADE recommendations and commentary on the four background questions. In addition, information for each CQ has been created as a visual clinical flow to ensure that the positioning of each CQ can be easily understood. We hope that the CPGs will be a useful tool in the rehabilitation of critically ill patients for multiple professions.

Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Long Coronavirus Disease 2019 with Fatigue and Cognitive Dysfunction.

Objectives: There is no established treatment for chronic fatigue and various cognitive dysfunctions (brain fog) caused by long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to clarify the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treating these symptoms. Methods: High-frequency rTMS was applied to occipital and frontal lobes in 12 patients with chronic fatigue and cognitive dysfunction 3 months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Before and after ten sessions of rTMS, Brief Fatigue Inventory (BFI), Apathy Scale (AS), and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-fourth edition (WAIS4) were determined and N-isopropyl-p-[123I]iodoamphetamine single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed. Results: Twelve subjects completed ten sessions of rTMS without adverse events. The mean age of the subjects was 44.3 ± 10.7 years, and the mean duration of illness was 202.4 ± 114.5 days. BFI, which was 5.7 ± 2.3 before the intervention, decreased significantly to 1.9 ± 1.8 after the intervention. The AS was significantly decreased after the intervention from 19.2 ± 8.7 to 10.3 ± 7.2. All WAIS4 sub-items were significantly improved after rTMS intervention, and the full-scale intelligence quotient increased from 94.6 ± 10.9 to 104.4 ± 13.0. Hypoperfusion in the bilateral occipital and frontal lobes observed on SPECT improved in extent and severity after ten sessions of rTMS. Conclusions: Although we are still in the early stages of exploring the effects of rTMS, the procedure has the potential for use as a new non-invasive treatment for the symptoms of long COVID.

Effects and safety of high-frequency rTMS in acute intracerebral hemorrhage patients: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Although high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (HF-rTMS) in chronic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is beneficial, it has been poorly investigated in rTMS for acute ICH. Our aim is to investigate the effects and safety of rTMS in acute spontaneous ICH. METHODS: We prospectively performed HF-rTMS on consecutive patients with ICH within 24 h from onset between April 2019 and August 2021. The inclusion criterion was (1) persistent paralysis, with an NIHSS scale of 1 or higher for at least 3 days after onset. The exclusion criteria were (1) cortical, subcortical, and cerebellar ICH, (2) disturbance of consciousness, and (3) over 80 years of age. For the purpose of comparison, we used a conventional rehabilitation group whose patients met the same criteria between April 2016 and March 2019. We evaluated incidence of epilepsy and exacerbation of the NIHSS score in the rTMS group. We also compared the two groups regarding clinical background and outcome. RESULTS: Enrolled in the study were a total of 44 patients. Of the patients, 22 (50%) were in the rTMS group. The median (IQR) time from onset to the start of rTMS was 9 (6-12) days. There were no cases of epilepsy or exacerbation of NIHSS after the start of rTMS. Favorable outcome (modified Rankin Scale score of between 0 and 2) at 3 months was frequently observed in the rTMS group (73% vs 27%, p = 0.006). HF-rTMS was independently associated with favorable outcome at 3 months (OR = 11.5, 95% CI = 2.194-60.447, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: HF-rTMS may be safe and effective in acute ICH patients.

Efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for gait disturbance in HTLV-1 associated myelopathy.

BACKGROUND: Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) associated myelopathy (HAM) can damage the spinal cord, causing paraplegia, spasticity, and gait disturbance. Currently, there are few effective treatments. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on gait disturbance in patients with HAM. METHODS: rTMS at 10 Hz was applied to HAM patients aged 30-80 years with an Osame's Motor Disability Score between 3 and 6. The stimulation site on the skull was the position where motor evoked potentials were most evidently elicited and leg motor areas were stimulated. Resting motor thresholds (minimum stimulation to induce motor evoked potential) were also determined. Each participant underwent 10 sessions of 2400 stimuli. Clinical measurements, including walking speed and stride length, were obtained. RESULTS: From 119 patients with HAM recruited, 12 were included in the rTMS group and 18 who did not undergo rTMS comprised the control group. rTMS significantly improved walking speed and stride length compared to controls. Particularly, resting motor thresholds decreased after 10 sessions of rTMS. CONCLUSIONS: rTMS improves walking speed in patients with HAM and may be an effective alternative for treating gait disturbance in patients with HAM.

Fibulo-Scapho-Lunate Arthrodesis With Free Vascularized Fibular Graft for a Japanese Kyudo Archer With Osteosarcoma of the Left Distal Radius: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Recent progress in the chemotherapy and surgical procedures for osteosarcoma have enabled the preservation of limb function even when cancer occurs in the distal radius, a rare primary site of osteosarcoma. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of osteosarcoma that occurred in an 18-year-old, male Kyudo (Japanese archery) archer's left distal radius. Since the patient desired to resume Kyudo and the left hand was quite important for gripping a bow, we chose partial wrist arthrodesis (fibulo-scapho-lunate arthrodesis) with free vascularized fibular grafting (FVFG) as the reconstruction procedure following wide resection. After the wide resection, the major axis of bone defect was 8 cm. We harvested a free vascularized fibular graft with fascio-cutaneous flap with wide fascia to reconstruct the gliding surface of the extensor tendon. Fibula-proximal radius and fibulo-scapho-lunate fixation was performed by locking plates individually. Vascular anastomosis was performed between the radial artery and peroneal artery in a flow-through manner. Two peroneal veins were anastomosed with the radial vein and cephalic vein. CONCLUSION: Fibulo-scapho-lunate arthrodesis with FVFG may provide satisfied stability and function even in a Kyudo archer. The patient obtained sufficient wrist stability and grip strength, and could resume Kyudo.

Relationship between osteoporosis, sarcopenia, vertebral fracture, and osteosarcopenia in patients with primary biliary cholangitis.

AIM: Bone disorders are serious complications in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), especially in postmenopausal female patients. Given that osteoporosis interrelates closely with sarcopenia, the concept of osteosarcopenia (coexistence of the two complications) has been established. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between osteoporosis, sarcopenia, vertebral fracture, and osteosarcopenia in PBC patients. METHODS: This study involved 117 consecutive PBC patients (21 males and 96 females). Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Japan Society of Hepatology assessment criteria. RESULTS: Of the 117 patients, 33 (28.2%), 27 (23.1%), 21 (17.9%), and 18 (15.4%) had osteoporosis, sarcopenia, vertebral fracture, and osteosarcopenia, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified sarcopenia as a significant, independent risk factor associated with osteoporosis in all and female patients [odds ratio (OR) = 4.126, P = 0.018; OR = 6.510, P = 0.001, respectively], and vice versa (OR = 3.420, P = 0.040; OR = 4.012, P = 0.026, respectively). The skeletal muscle mass index and handgrip strength were significantly correlated with the BMD of the lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip (r = 0.46-0.59, P < 0.001). Patients with osteosarcopenia had significantly higher prevalence of vertebral fracture (10/18; 55.6%) than those without both osteoporosis and sarcopenia (5/75; 6.7%). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated the prevalence of osteoporosis, sarcopenia, vertebral fracture, and osteosarcopenia in PBC, and noted that these complications interrelated closely with each other. Comprehensive assessment and treatment strategies for bone and muscle disorders are essential for PBC patients.

'Acute Masquelet technique' for reconstructing bone defects of an open lower limb fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The reconstruction of bone defects of open lower leg fractures is challenging, and there is no established treatment strategy to date, especially in the acute phase. We report herein an 'acute Masquelet technique' for reconstructing bone defects of open lower limb fractures as the primary treatment in the acute phase. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of seven lower limbs of the seven Japanese patients (five males, two females, aged 24-76 years [mean 53 years]) who underwent the acute Masquelet technique for open fractures with bone defects. We evaluated postsurgical complications including deep infection, absorption of grafted bone, and the final result of the bone union. RESULTS: Deep infection occurred in one of the seven limbs (14%). There was no case with absorption of grafted bone in our series. We have treated two patients who needed additional surgery for delayed bone union. Bone union was eventually obtained in all seven limbs. All of the patients became pain-free and could walk without a cane. CONCLUSION: The 'acute Masquelet technique' was quite useful for reconstructing bone defects of open lower limb fractures as the primary treatment in the acute phase. We believe that this is one of the options that might be successful in the treatment of open lower limb fractures.

Salvage Reconstruction With the Masquelet Technique Following Wide Resection for Chondrosarcoma of the Proximal Femoral Metaphysis: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Bone reconstruction following a wide resection for a malignant musculoskeletal tumor remains challenging, especially for an intercalary defect following the resection of a metaphyseal lesion. CASE REPORT: Here, we describe a surgical procedure using the Masquelet technique for the biological reconstruction of a huge subtrochanteric bone defect following failed pasteurized autologous bone grafting for a conventional chondrosarcoma of the proximal femoral metaphysis with a subtrochanteric pathological fracture. The patient, a 43-year-old Japanese male, was able to walk without a cane or a brace at 15 months after the final operation (International Society of Limb Salvage score, 86.7%). CONCLUSION: This procedure should be considered as one of the reconstruction options following the wide resection of malignant bone tumors located in the metaphysis.

Dose-response of rPMS for upper Limb hemiparesis after stroke.

INTRODUCTION: Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) therapy is an innovative and minimally invasive neurorehabilitative technique and has been shown to facilitate neural plasticity. However, there is at present no research that clarifies the dose-response of rPMS therapy on the recovery of upper limb hemiparesis after stroke. This trial aims to clarify the dose-response of rPMS therapy combined with intensive occupational therapy (OT) for chronic stroke patients with moderate to severe upper limb hemiparesis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multicenter, prospective, assessor-blinded, randomized controlled study with 3 parallel groups will be conducted from January 20, 2020 to September 30, 2022. Fifty patients will be randomly assigned in a ratio of 1:2:2 to the control group, the group receiving daily 2400 pulses of rPMS, or the group receiving daily 4800 pulses of rPMS, respectively. From the day after admission (Day 1), rPMS therapy and intensive OT will be initiated. The primary outcome is the change in the motor function of the affected upper extremity (Fugl-Meyer Assessment) between the time of admission (Day 0) and the day after 2 weeks of treatment (Day 14). Secondary outcomes will include the changes in spasticity, active range of motion, motor evoked potential, and activity of daily living. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study was approved by the Jikei University Certified Review Board for all institutions (reference number: JKI19-020). Results of the primary and secondary outcomes will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international congresses. The results will also be disseminated to patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: jRCTs032190191.

Reference values for the locomotive syndrome risk test quantifying mobility of 8681 adults aged 20-89 years: A cross-sectional nationwide study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: The locomotive syndrome risk test was developed to quantify the decrease in mobility among adults, which could eventually lead to disability. The purpose of this study was to establish reference values for the locomotive syndrome risk test for adults and investigate the influence of age and sex. METHODS: We analyzed 8681 independent community dwellers (3607 men, 5074 women). Data pertaining to locomotive syndrome risk test (the two-step test, the stand-up test, and the 25-question geriatric locomotive function scale [GLFS-25]) scores were collected from seven administrative areas of Japan. RESULTS: The reference values of the three test scores were generated and all three test scores gradually decreased among young-to-middle-aged individuals and rapidly decreased in individuals aged over 60 years. The stand-up test score began decreasing significantly from the age of 30 years. The trajectories of decrease in the two-step test score with age was slightly different between men and women especially among the middle-aged individuals. The two physical test scores were more sensitive to aging than the self-reported test score. CONCLUSION: The reference values generated in this study could be employed to determine whether an individual has mobility comparable to independent community dwellers of the same age and sex.

Role of D-serine in the beneficial effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in post-stroke patients.

OBJECTIVE: Abnormalities in neurotransmission via N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) play a role in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. The impact of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on NMDAR-related amino acids remains unknown. We aim to investigate the effects of rTMS on NMDAR-related amino acids in serum of post-stroke patients. METHODS: Ninety-five consecutive post-stroke patients with upper limb hemiparesis were recruited. In 27 patients, the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score was 10 or higher. Twelve depressed patients underwent rehabilitation in combination with rTMS and 15 non-depressed patients underwent rehabilitation only without rTMS for 14 days. 1 Hz rTMS was applied to the primary motor area in the non-lesional hemisphere. BDI was conducted before and after treatment. Serum glutamine, glutamate, glycine, L-serine, and D-serine levels were measured before and after treatment. RESULTS: There were no differences between depressed patients and non-depressed patients in clinical characteristics, levels of the five amino acids in serum, and the ratio of amino acids. However, in 27 depressed patients there was a significant correlation between levels of glutamate in serum and BDI (ρ=0.428、p=0.026). BDI decreased significantly in depressed patients after treatment with or without rTMS. D-serine decreased in the rehabilitation with rTMS group, but increased in the rehabilitation without rTMS group. L-serine increased in the rehabilitation with rTMS group, but decreased in the rehabilitation without rTMS group. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that rTMS can modulate NMDAR-related amino acids in blood, producing beneficial effects.

Comparative assessment of sarcopenia using the JSH, AWGS, and EWGSOP2 criteria and the relationship between sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteosarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Sarcopenia and osteoporosis reduce life quality and worsen prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). When these two complications coexist, a diagnosis of osteosarcopenia is made. We aimed to investigate the actual situations of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, osteosarcopenia, and vertebral fracture, and to clarify the relationship among these events in patients with LC. METHODS: We describe a cross-sectional study of 142 patients with LC. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH) criteria, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria, and European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and handgrip strength were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and a digital grip strength dynamometer, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and vertebral fracture was evaluated using spinal lateral X-rays. The severity of LC was assessed using the Child-Pugh classification. RESULTS: Among the 142 patients, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 33.8% (48/142) according to the JSH and AWGS criteria and 28.2% (40/142) according to the EWGSOP2 criteria. The number of patients with osteoporosis, osteosarcopenia, and vertebral fracture was 49 (34.5%), 31 (21.8%), and 41 (28.9%), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed a close association between sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was independently associated with sarcopenia [odds ratio (OR) = 3.923, P = 0.010]. Conversely, sarcopenia was independently associated with osteoporosis (OR = 5.722, P < 0.001). Vertebral fracture occurred most frequently in patients with osteosarcopenia (19/31; 61.3%) and least frequently in those without both sarcopenia and osteoporosis (12/76; 15.8%). The SMI and handgrip strength values were significantly correlated with the BMD of the lumbar spine (r = 0.55 and 0.51, respectively; P < 0.001 for both), femoral neck, (r = 0.67 and 0.62, respectively; P < 0.001 for both), and total hip (r = 0.67 and 0.61, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Sarcopenia, osteoporosis, osteosarcopenia, and vertebral fracture were highly prevalent and closely associated with one another in patients with LC. Specifically, patients with osteosarcopenia had the highest risk of vertebral fractures. Early diagnosis of these complications is essential for treatment intervention.

The Effect of Repeated Botulinum Toxin A Therapy Combined with Intensive Rehabilitation on Lower Limb Spasticity in Post-Stroke Patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study is a retrospective investigation of the effects of repetitive botulinum toxin A therapy (BoNT-A) and intensive rehabilitation (IR) on lower limb spasticity in post-stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-five post-stroke patients was included in this study and received BoNT-A for the first time. A 12-day inpatient protocol was with 4 cycles of the treatment protocol. The severity of spasticity, motor function and brace status were evaluated. RESULTS: The modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score of ankle dorsiflexors, range of motion, walking speed and balancing ability were significantly improved after cycle 1. The improvement of spasticity and motor function was persistent through cycles 2⁻4. One-third of brace users were able to discontinue the use of a brace. All of these brace users showed a forward gait pattern prior to therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated BoNT-A combined with IR improved lower limb spasticity in post-stroke patients. Our results suggest that patients who show the forward gait pattern prior to therapy may be able to discontinue the use of their brace after therapy.

Diffusion Tensor Imaging Evaluation of Neural Network Development in Patients Undergoing Therapeutic Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation following Stroke.

We aimed to investigate plastic changes in cerebral white matter structures using diffusion tensor imaging following a 15-day stroke rehabilitation program. We compared the detection of cerebral plasticity between generalized fractional anisotropy (GFA), a novel tool for investigating white matter structures, and fractional anisotropy (FA). Low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (LF-rTMS) of 2400 pulses applied to the nonlesional hemisphere and 240 min intensive occupation therapy (OT) daily over 15 days. Motor function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT). Patients underwent diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on admission and discharge, from which bilateral FA and GFA values in Brodmann area (BA) 4 and BA6 were calculated. Motor function improved following treatment (p < 0.001). Treatment increased GFA values for both the lesioned and nonlesioned BA4 (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, resp.). Changes in GFA value for BA4 of the lesioned hemisphere were significantly inversely correlated with changes in WMFT scores (R2 = 0.363, p < 0.05). Our findings indicate that the GFA may have a potentially more useful ability than FA to detect changes in white matter structures in areas of fiber intersection for any such future investigations.

Effects of botulinum toxin A therapy and multidisciplinary rehabilitation on lower limb spasticity classified by spastic muscle echo intensity in post-stroke patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the present study was to investigate retrospectively the relationship between botulinum toxin type A plus multidisciplinary rehabilitation and muscle echo intensity in post-stroke patients with spasticity. The primary aim was to investigate whether the effects of the intervention on the improvement of spasticity depend on muscle echo intensity, and the secondary aim was to investigate whether the motor function of the lower limbs depends on muscle echo intensity. METHODS: A 12-day inpatient protocol was designed for 102 post-stroke patients with spasticity due to lower limb paralysis. Muscle echo intensity of the triceps surae muscle was measured by ultrasonography, and the patients were categorized into four groups based on Heckmatt scale grades (Grades I-IV). RESULTS: All four groups classified by the Heckmatt scale showed significant pre-to-post-intervention differences in the knee and ankle modified Ashworth scale scores (p < 0.05). Grades I-III patient groups showed a significant improvement in lower limb motor function following intervention. Grade IV patients did not show a significant improvement in lower limb motor function. CONCLUSIONS: We observed significant improvements in the modified Ashworth scale scores after botulinum toxin type A and multidisciplinary rehabilitation therapy on post-stroke patients with spasticity. Although patients with lower muscle echo intensity demonstrated improvements in motor function, the improvement was poor in those with higher muscle echo intensity.

Improvement of higher brain dysfunction after brain injury by repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and intensive rehabilitation therapy: case report.

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and intensive cognitive rehabilitation (CR) were administered to two patients with cognitive dysfunction following brain injury. The first case was a 67-year-old man who presented with memory dysfunction, attention dysfunction, and decreased insight following diffuse axonal injury. High-frequency rTMS (10 Hz, 2400 pulses/day) targeting the anterior cingulate using a navigation system and CR were administered for 12 days at 1 year from the onset of injury. The patient showed improved neuropsychological performance and activities of daily living. In addition, single photon emission computer tomography with Tc-ECD showed improved perfusion in the anterior cingulate gyrus. The second case was a 68-year-old man who presented with dysfunction of memory, attention, and executive function following a cerebral infarction in the middle cerebral artery region within the right hemisphere. This patient received 12 days (except for Sundays) of low-frequency rTMS (1 Hz, 1200 pulses/day) targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and the left posterior parietal cortex and CR. Following this intervention, the patient's neuropsychological performance and activities of daily living improved. Furthermore, single photon emission computer tomography showed changes in perfusion in the rTMS target sites and areas surrounding the targets. We have shown the safety and efficacy of rTMS therapy using a navigation system combined with intensive CR on two patients with cognitive dysfunction following brain injury. In addition, we observed changes in the areas around the rTMS target sites in brain imaging data.

The Efficacy of High-Frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Improving Apathy in Chronic Stroke Patients.

Although repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for hemiparesis is beneficial, so far no study has examined the usefulness of rTMS for apathy. Thirteen patients with chronic stroke were assigned randomly to 2 groups: rTMS group (n = 7) and sham stimulation group (n = 6). The patients received 5 sessions of either high-frequency rTMS over the region spanning from the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) to medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) or sham stimulation for 5 days. The severity of apathy was evaluated using the Apathy Scale (AS) and the severity of depression was evaluated using the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (QIDS) serially before and after the 5-day protocol. The AS and QIDS scores were significantly improved in the rTMS group, although they were not changed in the sham stimulation group. The degree of change in the AS score was significantly greater in the rTMS group than that in the sham stimulation group. The degree of change in the QIDS score was greater in the rTMS group than that in the sham stimulation group, although the difference was not statistically significant. The application of high frequency rTMS over the dACC and mPFC may be a useful intervention for apathy due to stroke.